Business

Franchise group sues over $15 wage hike

By GENE JOHNSONAssociated Press

A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday challenges Seattle's adoption of what would be the nation's highest minimum wage as unfair to small franchises.

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously this month to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The plan gives businesses with more than 500 employees nationally at least three years to phase in the increase — four if they provide health insurance. Smaller employers get seven years.